Prevotella histicola preparations and the treatment of autoimmune conditions

ABSTRACT

This document provides methods and materials related to  Prevotella histicola  preparations. For example,  Prevotella histicola  preparations in the form of an oral medicament or dietary supplement (e.g., a pill, tablet, capsule) are provided. In addition, methods and materials for using a  Prevotella histicola  preparation provided herein as an anti-inflammatory agent are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/086,090, filed Nov. 21, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/505,169 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,617,536), filed Apr. 30, 2012, which is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of International Application No. PCT/US2010/054314, having an International Filing Date of Oct. 27, 2010, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/299,068, filed on Jan. 28, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/256,731, filed on Oct. 30, 2009. The disclosures of the prior applications are considered part of (and are incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

STATEMENT AS TO FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with government support under grant DK071003 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This document relates to Prevotella histicola preparations and the use of Prevotella histicola preparations to treat autoimmune conditions (e.g., arthritis and multiple sclerosis).

2. Background Information

A large reservoir of microorganisms lives in the digestive tracts of animals and is often referred to as the gut flora or microflora. Bacteria make up most of the flora in the colon and about 60 percent of the dry mass of feces. In fact, between 300 and 1000 different species may live in the gut.

SUMMARY

This document provides methods and materials related to Prevotella histicola preparations. For example, this document provides Prevotella histicola preparations in the form of an oral medicament or dietary supplement (e.g., a pill, tablet, capsule). In addition, this document provides methods for using a Prevotella histicola preparation provided herein as an anti-inflammatory agent. In some cases, a Prevotella histicola preparation provided herein can be used as an oral anti-inflammatory medicament or dietary supplement to treat autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The Prevotella histicola preparations provided herein can contain live or killed Prevotella histicola microorganisms. In some cases, a composition including, or consisting essentially of, a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture can be used as described herein. For example, a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture can be administered (e.g., orally administered) to a mammal to treat an autoimmune condition or inflammatory condition in the mammal. Such a culture supernatant can include live or killed Prevotella histicola microorganisms. In some cases, a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture can lack live Prevotella histicola microorganisms. In some cases, a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture can include lysed Prevotella histicola microorganisms. Any appropriate media can be used to culture Prevotella histicola microorganisms to form a culture supernatant. For example, broth (e.g., trypticase soy broth) can be used to culture Prevotella histicola microorganisms to form a culture supernatant.

The Prevotella histicola preparations and compositions provided herein and the methods for using the Prevotella histicola preparations and compositions provided herein can allow medical professionals to treat mammals (e.g., human patients) suffering from an autoimmune condition. In some cases, the methods and materials provided herein can allow humans to supplement their diets with bacterial organisms having the ability to reduce the severity or development of an autoimmune condition.

In general, one aspect of this document features a method for treating an autoimmune condition in a mammal. The method comprises, or consists essentially of, administering a composition comprising, or consisting essentially of, live Prevotella histicola to the mammal under conditions wherein the severity of the autoimmune condition is reduced. The mammal can be a human. The autoimmune condition can be multiple sclerosis. The autoimmune condition can be arthritis. The administering step can comprise an oral administration. The composition can be a pill, tablet, or capsule. The composition can be a pill, tablet, or capsule configured to deliver the live Prevotella histicola to the intestines of the mammal. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 25 percent following the administering step. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 50 percent following the administering step. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 75 percent following the administering step. The method can comprise identifying the mammal as having the autoimmune condition prior to the administration. Representative cells of the Prevotella histicola can be the cells deposited as NRRL accession number B-50329.

In another aspect, this document features a nutritional supplement comprising, or consisting essentially of, live Prevotella histicola. The Prevotella histicola can be encapsulated to be released in the intestine of a mammal. Representative cells of the Prevotella histicola can be the cells deposited as NRRL accession number B-50329.

In another aspect, this document features a human food product supplemented with live Prevotella histicola. The product can contain between 1×10⁷ to 1×10¹¹ cells of the Prevotella histicola. The product can be selected from the group consisting of milk, yogurt, milk powder, tea, juice, cookies, wafers, crackers, and cereals.

In another aspect, this document features a method for treating an autoimmune condition in a mammal. The method comprises, or consists essentially of, administering a composition comprising, or consisting essentially of, dead Prevotella histicola to the mammal under conditions wherein the severity of the autoimmune condition is reduced. The mammal can be a human. The autoimmune condition can be multiple sclerosis. The autoimmune condition can be arthritis. The administering step can comprise an oral administration. The composition can be a pill, tablet, or capsule. The composition can be a pill, tablet, or capsule configured to deliver the dead Prevotella histicola to the intestines of the mammal. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 25 percent following the administering step. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 50 percent following the administering step. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 75 percent following the administering step. The method can comprise identifying the mammal as having the autoimmune condition prior to the administration. Representative cells of the Prevotella histicola can be the cells deposited as NRRL accession number B-50329.

In another aspect, this document features a nutritional supplement comprising, or consisting essentially of, dead Prevotella histicola. The Prevotella histicola can be encapsulated to be released in the intestine of a mammal. Representative cells of the Prevotella histicola can be the cells deposited as NRRL accession number B-50329.

In another aspect, this document features a human food product supplemented with dead Prevotella histicola. The product can contain between 1×10⁷ to 1×10¹¹ cells of the Prevotella histicola. The product can be selected from the group consisting of milk, yogurt, milk powder, tea, juice, cookies, wafers, crackers, and cereals.

In another aspect, this document features a method for treating an autoimmune condition in a mammal. The method comprises, or consists essentially of, administering a composition comprising, or consisting essentially of, a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture to the mammal under conditions wherein the severity of the autoimmune condition is reduced. The mammal can be a human. The autoimmune condition can be multiple sclerosis. The autoimmune condition can be arthritis. The administering step can comprise an oral administration. The composition can be a pill, tablet, or capsule. The composition can be a pill, tablet, or capsule configured to deliver the culture supernatant to the intestines of the mammal. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 25 percent following the administering step. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 50 percent following the administering step. The severity of the autoimmune condition can be reduced by greater than about 75 percent following the administering step. The method can comprise identifying the mammal as having the autoimmune condition prior to the administration. Representative cells of the Prevotella histicola can be the cells deposited as NRRL accession number B-50329.

In another aspect, this document features a nutritional supplement comprising, or consisting essentially of, a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture. The culture supernatant can be encapsulated to be released in the intestine of a mammal. Representative cells of the Prevotella histicola can be the cells deposited as NRRL accession number B-50329.

In another aspect, this document features a human food product supplemented with a culture supernatant from a Prevotella histicola culture. The culture supernatant can be obtained from a culture having greater than 1×10³ (e.g., greater than 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, or 1×10¹¹) Prevotella histicola cells per mL of media. The product can be selected from the group consisting of milk, yogurt, milk powder, tea, juice, cookies, wafers, crackers, and cereals.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Modulation of EAE by Prevotella histicola. Treatment with P. histicola protected a majority of DR3DQ8 mice from developing EAE, while medium fed control mice or DR3DQ8 mice treated with control commensal bacteria (Capnocytophagia sputigena or E. coli) exhibited 100% disease incidence, thereby indicating that P. histicola have an immunomodulatory effect. HLA-DR3DQ8 or DQ8 control Tg mice were immunized with PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ myelin antigen emulsified in CFA. Pertussis toxin was given at day 0 and 2 post-immunization. Seven days post immunization mice were gavaged on alternate days either with P. histicola or Capnocytophagia sputigena or E. coli (2×10⁹ CFU in 100 μL of trypticase soy broth (TSB) culture media) or medium for 7 doses. Mice were monitored daily for development of EAE and scored using standard EAE scoring criteria as described elsewhere (Mangalam et al., J. Immunol., 182(8):5131-9 (2009)). At the end of treatment, tissue and sera were collected from the mice for further analysis. No immuno-modulatory effect was observed with other tested human or mouse commensal bacteria.

FIG. 2. P. histicola treated DR3DQ8 mice exhibited reduced PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ specific T cell proliferation as compared to sham treated mice. Splenocytes were collected from mice immunized with PLP and treated with P. histicola or medium (sham) and were stimulated in vitro with the PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ polypeptide.

FIG. 3. P. histicola treated DR3DQ8 mice exhibited reduced level of IL-17 and increased levels of IL-10 as compared to sham treated mice. Levels of IFN-γ were not different between the two groups of mice.

FIG. 4A. P. histicola treated DR3DQ8 mice exhibited reduced levels of MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and MCP-1 in splenocytes as compared to levels measured in splenocytes from sham treated mice. FIG. 4B Levels of these chemokines were higher in splenocytes from P. histicola treated mice as compared to levels measured in splenocytes from sham treated mice.

FIG. 5. Modulation of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by Prevotella histicola. Immunization of HLA-DQ8.AEo Tg mice with type II collagen (CII) leads to development of collagen-induced arthritis, a model for rheumatoid arthritis (Taneja et al., J. Immunol., 56:69-78 (2007)). Treatment with P. histicola protected DQ8.AEo mice from developing arthritis. Three groups of mice were included: (1) mice immunized with CII/CFA and treated with medium, (2) mice immunized with CII and treated with P. histicola, and (3) a control group, which included mice immunized with P. histicola without CII. Ten days post immunization, mice were gavaged three times per week with P. histicola (2×10⁹ CFU in 100 μt of TSB culture media) for up to 7 weeks. Group 1 and group 2 mice were boosted with CII/IFA in the 6^(th) week. Mice were monitored for arthritis for up to 10 weeks. Mice immunized with CII and treated with P. histicola exhibited a dramatic decrease in disease incidence as well as milder disease. Mice only given P. histicola did not develop any arthritis.

FIG. 6A is P. histicola treated mice exhibited reduced humoral antigen-specific response. Anti-CII antibodies in sera collected before and after treatment with P. histicola exhibited a reduction in antibodies. Anti-CII antibodies were tested by ELISA. FIG. 6B is T cell proliferation to CII in vitro did not exhibit any significant reduction in P. histicola treated mice. Only P. histicola gavaged mice did not exhibit any antigen-specific response.

FIG. 7. All tested proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines produced in response to CII were reduced in P. histicola treated mice compared to medium fed (control) mice. Cytokines were measured from serum of mice by using a multiplex array system.

FIG. 8. Mice treated with P. histicola exhibited higher numbers of CD4⁺GITR⁺ T regulatory cells and CD11c⁺CD103⁺ dendritic cells in splenocytes. The FACs analysis after staining with conjugated antibodies is shown.

FIG. 9. Treatment with P. histicola leads to an increase in regulatory dendritic cells, CD11c⁺CD103⁺, in lamina propria.

FIG. 10 is a sequence comparison of 16S rRNA nucleic acid from P. histicola deposited with the ARS Culture Collection (NRRL accession number B 50329, deposited Oct. 28, 2009) and set forth as Query (SEQ ID NO:1) to 16S rRNA nucleic acid from GenBank® accession number EU126662.1 Prevotella histicola strain N12-20 (GI No.: 157366663) set forth as subject (Sbjct; SEQ ID NO:2).

FIG. 11 contains flow cytometry graphs plotting the percentage of CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ cells in spleen or mesenteric lymph nodes from sham treated mice or P. histicola treated mice.

FIG. 12 contains flow cytometry histograms plotting the percentage of CD11b⁺CD11c⁺CD103⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) in spleen or mesenteric lymph nodes from sham treated mice or P. histicola treated mice.

FIG. 13A is a graph plotting the level of proliferation (Δ cpm) for DCs isolated from sham treated or P. histicola treated mice and cultured with CD4⁺ cells isolated from sham treated or P. histicola treated mice in the presence of CII. FIG. 13B is a graph plotting the levels of IL-10 and IL-17 (pg/nL) from CII containing cultures of either DCs isolated from sham treated or P. histicola treated mice in combination with either CD4⁺ cells isolated from sham treated or P. histicola treated mice. The ratio of DCs to CD4⁺ cells was 1:1. S represents sham treated, and P. hist. represents P. histicola treated.

FIG. 14 contains flow cytometry graphs plotting the percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ cells in spleen or lamina propria from sham treated mice or P. histicola treated mice.

FIG. 15 is a graph plotting the average clinical score of EAE for mice treated with media allow (Med fed), P. histicola (P. histicola fed), or culture supernatant from a P. histicola culture (P. histicola Culture Supernatant fed).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document provides methods and materials related to P. histicola preparations. For example, this document provides compositions containing P. histicola (e.g., live P. histicola, killed P. histicola, P. histicola components, or lysed P. histicola). Such compositions can contain any amount of P. histicola or P. histicola components. In some cases, a composition provided herein can contain P. histicola (e.g., live or killed P. histicola) or P. histicola components in an amount such that between 0.001 and 100 percent (e.g., between 1 and 95 percent, between 10 and 95 percent, between 25 and 95 percent, between 50 and 95 percent, between 20 and 80 percent, between 50 and 95 percent, between 60 and 95 percent, between 70 and 95 percent, between 80 and 95 percent, between 90 and 95 percent, between 95 and 99 percent, between 50 and 100 percent, between 60 and 100 percent, between 70 and 100 percent, between 80 and 100 percent, between 90 and 100 percent, or between 95 and 100 percent), by weight, of the composition can be P. histicola or P. histicola components. In some cases, a composition provided herein can contain between about 10³ and 10⁸ live P. histicola microorganisms.

In some cases, a composition provided herein can contain P. histicola (e.g., live P. histicola microorganisms) in the amounts and dosages as described elsewhere for probiotic bacteria (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0241226; see, e.g., paragraphs [0049-0103]). In addition, a composition provided herein containing P. histicola (e.g., live P. histicola microorganisms) can be administered as described elsewhere for probiotic bacteria (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0241226; see, e.g., paragraphs [0049-0103]).

Live P. histicola microorganisms can be obtained from the digestive system of any appropriate mammal (e.g., a human). For example, P. histicola microorganisms can be isolated from small intestinal mucosa (e.g., a small bowel biopsy or aspirate sample) of a human (e.g., a human patient diagnosed with celiac disease). P. histicola strains can be identified via 16S rRNA PCR using standard 16S rRNA primers. The 16S rRNA sequence used to identify P. histicola can be as set forth in FIG. 10. In some cases, P. histicola microorganisms can be obtained from the ARS Culture Collection (NRRL accession number NRRL B-50329, deposited Oct. 28, 2009).

Any appropriate method can be used to obtain a culture of P. histicola microorganisms. For example, standard microbial culturing techniques can be used to obtain P. histicola or P. histicola components. In general, P. histicola microorganisms can be cultured in broth containing milk (e.g., skim milk) to obtain a culture containing greater than 1×10⁸ P. histicola per mL of broth. The P. histicola microorganisms can be removed from the broth via centrifugation. Once obtained, the live P. histicola microorganisms can be formulated into a medicament or nutritional supplement composition for administration to a mammal (e.g., a human), can be added to a food product for consumption, or can be frozen for later use. In some cases, the obtained P. histicola microorganisms can be treated (e.g., chemical treatment, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, antibiotic treatment, or fixation treatment such a formalin treatment) to obtain a composition of killed or lysed P. histicola microorganisms or can be processed (e.g., lysed followed by fractionation) to obtain a composition of P. histicola components.

In some cases, a P. histicola preparation, which can be stored frozen in 2× skim milk, can be thawed and grown on CDC Anaerobe Laked Sheep Blood Agar with kanamycin and vancomycin (KV) (Becton, Dickson and Company, Sparks, Md., product number 221846) in an anaerobe jar with AnaeroPack System (product number 10-01, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical America, Inc., New York, N.Y.). The culture can be incubated at 35-37° C. for at least 48 hours.

A composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can be in the form of an oral medicament or nutritional supplement. For example, compositions containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can be in the form of a pill, tablet, powder, liquid, or capsule. Tablets or capsules can be prepared by conventional means with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as binding agents, fillers, lubricants, disintegrants, or wetting agents. The tablets can be coated by methods known in the art. In some cases, a composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can be formulated such that live or killed P. histicola or P. histicola components are encapsulated for release within the intestines of a mammal. Liquid preparations for oral administration can take the form of, for example, solutions, syrups, or suspension, or they can be presented as a dry product for constitution with saline or other suitable liquid vehicle before use. In some cases, a composition provided herein containing P. histicola (e.g., live P. histicola microorganisms) can be in a dosage form as described elsewhere (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0241226; see, e.g., paragraphs [0129-0135]). For example, a composition provided herein can be in the form of a food product formulated to contain P. histicola (e.g., live P. histicola microorganisms) or P. histicola components. Examples of such food products include, without limitation, milk (e.g., acidified milk), yogurt, milk powder, tea, juice, beverages, candies, chocolates, chewable bars, cookies, wafers, crackers, cereals, treats, and combinations thereof.

A composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can contain other ingredients such as buffers, radical scavengers, antioxidants, reducing agents, or mixtures thereof. For example, a composition containing live P. histicola can be formulated to contain botanicals, vitamins, minerals, or combinations thereof. In some cases, a composition provided herein containing P. histicola (e.g., live P. histicola microorganisms) can contain other ingredients as described elsewhere (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0241226; see, e.g., paragraphs [0104-0128]).

In some cases, a composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for administration to a mammal, including, without limitation, sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents include, without limitation, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils, and organic esters. Aqueous carriers include, without limitation, water, alcohol, saline, and buffered solutions. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers also can include physiologically acceptable aqueous vehicles (e.g., physiological saline) or other known carriers for oral administration.

This document also provides methods and materials for using a composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components as an anti-inflammatory agent. In some cases, a composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can be used to treat autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and Crohn's disease. In some cases, a composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can be used as a nutritional supplement to supplement a mammal's diet with bacterial organisms having the ability to reduce the severity or development of an autoimmune condition. Examples of mammals include, without limitation, humans, monkeys, dogs, cats, cows, horses, pigs, and sheep.

Any amount of a composition containing P. histicola or P. histicola components can be administered to a mammal. The dosages of P. histicola (e.g., live or killed P. histicola) or P. histicola components can depend on many factors including the desired results. Typically, the amount of P. histicola (e.g., live or killed P. histicola) or P. histicola components contained within a single dose can be an amount that effectively exhibits anti-inflammatory activity within the mammal. For example, a composition containing live P. histicola can be formulated in a dose such that a mammal receives between about 10³ and 10⁸ live P. histicola microorganisms.

The final pH of a composition P. histicola (e.g., live or killed P. histicola) or P. histicola components can be between about 3.5 and about 9.5 (e.g., between about 4.0 and about 9.0; between about 4.5 and about 9.0; between about 4.5 and about 8.5; between about 5.0 and about 8.5; or between about 6.5 and about 8.0). To obtain such a pH, the pH of the composition can be adjusted using a pH-adjusting agent, for example. It will be appreciated that pH adjustment can be accomplished with any of a wide variety of acids should the composition have a pH that is too high (e.g., greater than 10.0 before adjustment). Likewise, pH adjustment can be accomplished with any of a wide variety of bases should the composition have a pH that is too low (e.g., less than 3.0 before adjustment).

The invention will be further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Use of P. histicola to Reduce Disease Symptoms in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

The following was performed to demonstrate that an ongoing inflammatory condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, can be treated by a systemic anti-inflammatory response induced by P. histicola. Transgenic (Tg) mice expressing human HLA class II genes (HLA-DR3DQ8) associated with MS can be used as an animal model to study MS. HLA-DR3DQ8 mice develop severe inflammation and demyelination in CNS mimicking human disease. As demonstrated herein, feeding P. histicola to DR3.DQ8.AEo mice after induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) reduced disease incidence and severity. Control bacteria such as C. sputigena or E. coli, however, had not effect on disease incidence or severity indicating that the suppressive effect is unique to P. histicola. In addition, P. histicola treated mice exhibited a decrease in myelin antigen specific T cell responses as well as a decrease in the level of IL-17, an inflammatory cytokine. Treatment with P. histicola also resulted in increases in levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Methods Transgenic (Tg) Mice

HLA-DQ8 (DQA1*0103, DQB1*0302), HLA-DR3 (DRB1*0301), and HLA-DR3/DQ8 Tg mice were produced as described elsewhere (Das et al., Hum. Immunol., 61:279-289 (2000); Bradley et al., J. Clin. Invest., 100:2227-2234 (1997); and Strauss et al., Immunogenetics, 40:104-108 (1994)). Briefly, HLA class II transgenes were introduced into (B6×SWR)F₁ fertilized eggs. Positive offspring were backcrossed to B10.M mice for several generations. HLA transgenic mice were then mated to class II-deficient)(Aβ°) mice and intercrossed to generate the HLA transgenic lines. To generate double transgenic mice, single transgenic DR3.Aβ° mice were mated with DQ8.Aβ° Tg lines to produce HLA-DR3/DQ8 Tg lines. These HLA class-II Tg mice were mated with MHC-II^(Δ/Δ))(AE°) mice (Taneja et al., J. Immunol., 181:2869-2877 (2008)) to generate AE°.DQ8. AE°.DR3 and AE°.DR3.DQ8 mice. Transgene negative littermates were used as controls. All mice were bred and maintained in the pathogen free environment according to National Institutes of Health and institutional guidelines. All experiments were approved by the institutional committee.

Flow Cytometry

Expression of HLA-DR and HLA-DQ molecules on PBLs, lymph node cells (LNCs), and splenocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) L227 and IVD12, specific for HLA-DR and HLA-DQ (Lampson et al., J. Immunol., (Baltimore, Md.: 1950) 125:293-299), respectively, as described elsewhere (Bradley et al., J. Clin. Invest., 100:2227-2234 (1997)). Surface expression of CD4 (GK1.5), CD8 (53.6.72), a B cell marker (CD45R (RA3-6B2)), a DC cell marker (CD11c (HL3)), a monocyte/macrophage cell marker (CD11b (Ml/70)), and NK cell markers (PK136), CD25 (PC61), CD44 (IM7), and CD45RB (16A)) were analyzed using fluorescent conjugated mAb from BD Biosciences (San Jose, USA).

Polypeptide

Twenty-amino acid-long synthetic peptide proteolipid protein PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ (YTTGAVRQIFGDYKTTICGK; SEQ ID NO:3; See, GenBank Accession No. NP_(—)000524 for full length 277 amino acid PLP polypeptide) was synthesized at the peptide core facility of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Immunization and T Cell Proliferation Assay

Mice were immunized subcutaneously with PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ (100 μg) polypeptide, emulsified in CFA (1:1) containing 100 μg of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (Difco, Detroit, Mich.) as described elsewhere (Mangalam et al., J. Immunol., 182: 5131-5139 (2009)). Some immunized mice were sacrificed 10 days after immunization, and draining lymph nodes were removed and challenged in vitro with antigen (Das et al., Hum. Immunol., 61:279-289 (2000)). The results are presented as stimulation indices (CPM of test sample/CPM of the control).

Disease Induction

For disease induction, 12-14 weeks old Tg mice were immunized subcutaneously in both flanks with 100 μg of PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ emulsified in CFA containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra (400 μg/mice) (Mangalam et al., J. Immunol., 182: 5131-5139 (2009)). Pertussis toxin (Sigma Chemicals, St. Louis, Mo., USA; 100 ng) was injected i.v. at day 0 and 2, post immunization. Mice were observed daily for clinical symptoms, and disease severity was scored as follows: 0, normal; 1, loss of tail tone; 2, hind limb weakness; 3, hind limb paralysis; 4, hind limb paralysis and forelimb paralysis or weakness; and 5, moribundity/death. Mice of both sexes were used.

Treatment with Prevotella or Other Commensal Bacteria

To test therapeutic potential of P. histicola, mice were first immunized with myelin antigen (PLP91-110). One week after induction of EAE, mice were treated with bacteria by oral gavage. Commensal Gram negative, anaerobic bacteria (Capnocytophagia sputigena or E. coli) also were tested as a treatment option. DR3DQ8 mice received P. histicola or C. sputigena or E. coli or medium alone starting day 7 post-immunization and every other day for a total of seven doses. Mice were followed for weight loss, disease incidence, duration, and severity for four weeks post-immunization.

Cytokine Analysis

For cytokine analysis, supernatants from different groups were collected from culture 48 hours after polypeptide stimulation. The concentration of cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, etc.) in the supernatant was measured using 23-plex BioPlex cytokine bead arrays (BioRad) and sandwich ELISA (TGF-β, IL-22, and IL-23) using pairs of relevant anti-cytokine monoclonal antibodies according to the manufacturer's protocol (Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif., USA).

Results

Isolation of Commensal Bacteria and their Effect on PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ Induced EAE in HLA-DR3.DQ8 Double Transgenic Mice

Commensal bacteria were isolated from small intestinal mucosa of human patients and tested their ability to modulate the disease process of EAE. Prevotella histicola, anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-pigmented bacteria, were isolated and tested for the ability to modulate PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀-induced EAE in double transgenic mice. EAE was induced in HLA-DR3DQ8 transgenic mice by immunization with PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ emulsified in CFA at 1:1 ratio. These mice also received pertussis toxin at day 0 and day 2 post-immunization. To test therapeutic potential of Prevotella histicola, mice were treated with bacteria (oral gavage) 7 day post immunization. DR3DQ8 mice received either Prevotella histicola or medium staring day 7 post-immunization and every other day for a total of 7 doses. Mice were followed for weight loss, disease incidence, duration and severity for 4 weeks post-immunization. Capnocytophagia sputigena or E. coli were used as control commensal bacteria.

Prevotella histicola fed mice exhibited significantly reduced disease incidence as only 25% (4/20) mice develop EAE as compared 100% disease incidence in medium fed (sham treated) DR3DQ8 mice (FIG. 1 and Table 1). Treatment with C. sputigena or E. coli had no effect on development or severity of disease in DR3DQ8 mice, indicating that only P. histicola have immunomodulatory effect. No disease was observed in DQ8 single transgenic mice. Further, disease onset in DR3DQ8 mice in P. histicola treated group was significantly delayed in bacteria treated mice.

TABLE I Effect of bacteria on PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ induced EAE in HLA Tg mice^(a) Mean Number of mice Disease onset of with maximum incidence disease ± severity score Mouse strain (%) SD 1 2 3 4 5 DQ8.AE° (Medium) 0/10 (0%) — — — — — — DR3.DQ8.AE° 20/20 (100%) 10 ± 1 — — 4 10 6 (Medium) DR3.DQ8.AE° (P 4/20 (25%) 18 ± 2 — 1 3 — — histicola) DR3.DQ8.AE° (C 10/10 (100%) 13 ± 2 — 1 5 2 3 sputigena) DR3.DQ8.AE° 10/10 (100%) 15.7 ± 2.5 — — 6 1 4 (E coli) ^(a)= mice were immunized with 100 μg of PLP peptide/400 μg Mtb in CFA, and Ptx was administered at 0 and 48 hours post immunization. Mice were scored daily for disease. The data is from three experiments combined. Effect of Prevotella histicola on Antigen Specific T Cell Proliferation

To determine if this protective effect of P. histicola is due to down-regulation of antigen specific T cell responses, splenocytes were isolated from mice treated with bacteria or medium, and stimulated with PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ peptide. An antigen specific T cell response was suppressed in DR3DQ8 mice treated P. histicola as compared to sham treated mice (FIG. 2).

Effect of P. histicola on Cytokine and Chemokine Production

The levels of cytokine and chemokines between bacteria fed and medium fed mice were compared to determine if P. histicola protected mice from EAE by modulating levels of pro and anti-inflammatory chemical mediators. Splenocytes from bacteria fed mice produced less IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine) on stimulation with PLP, while levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine), were increased (FIG. 3). Surprisingly, levels of IFN-γ were not significantly different between the two groups.

Cells from splenocytes of mice protected from EAE (P. histicola treated mice) produced reduced levels of MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and MCP-1 as compared to levels observed in mice with EAE (medium treated) (FIG. 4A). At the same time, the levels of these chemokines in mesenteric lymph node cells were significantly higher in protected mice (P. histicola treated mice) as compared to mice with EAE (FIG. 4B).

These results demonstrate that P. histicola can have an immuno-modulatory effect that suppresses proliferation of IL-17-secreting Th17 cells and increases production of IL-10, an immunoregulatory cytokine. While not being limited to any particular mode of action, P. histicola may modulate EAE in HLA-DR3DQ8 transgenic mice by suppressing production of chemokines in encephalitogenic CD4 T cells, thereby inhibiting migration of pathogenic cells to CNS.

In another experiment, the frequencies of regulatory T cells (e.g., CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells) and tolerogenic dendritic cells (e.g., CD11b⁺CD11c⁺CD103⁺ tolerogenic DCs) were assessed in the HLA-DR3DQ8 transgenic mouse model of EAE using sham treated mice and P. histicola treated mice. Briefly, AEo.DRB1*0301/DQ8 (HLA-DR3DQ8) Tg mice were immunized with PLP₉₁₋₁₁₀ myelin antigen emulsified in CFA. Pertussis toxin was given at day 0 and 2 post-immunization. Seven days post immunization mice were gavaged on alternate days with either P. histicola (2×10⁹ CFU in 100 μL of TSB culture media) or medium for seven doses. Mice were monitored daily for development of EAE and scored using standard EAE scoring criteria as described elsewhere (Mangalam et al., J. Immunol., 182(8):5131-9 (2009)). Splenocytes and cells from mesenteric lymph node (MLN) were used for analysis of T regulatory cells and for analysis of CD11b⁺CD11c⁺CD103⁺ tolerogenic DCs.

A plot was generated from CD4 gated cells, revealing the percent CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ cells in spleen and MLN (FIG. 11). P. histicola treated HLA-DR3DQ8 mice exhibited an increased frequency of CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells in spleen (80% vs. 24%) and mesenteric lymph node (54% vs. 43%) as compared to the frequencies observed in sham treated mice (FIG. 11). A plot also was generated from CD11b⁺ and CD11c⁺ gated cells, revealing the percent CD11b⁺CD11c⁺CD103⁺ cells in spleen and MLN (FIG. 12). P. histicola treated HLA-DR3DQ8 mice exhibited an increased frequency of CD11b⁺CD11c⁺CD103⁺ tolerogenic DCs in spleen (22% vs. 6%) and mesenteric lymph node (52% vs. 45%) as compared to the frequencies observed in sham treated mice (FIG. 12).

These results demonstrate that treatment with P. histicola leads to an increase in the frequency of regulatory T cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells. These results also demonstrate that P. histicola can modulate EAE in DR3DQ8 Tg mice by modulation of a cytokines, regulatory T cell, and regulatory dendritic cell network. In addition, suppressive dendritic cells can be responsible for conversion of T cells to a regulatory phenotype. The regulatory T cells of treated mice can migrate from lamina propria to periphery, thus modulating overall immune response.

Example 2 Use of P. histicola to Reduce Disease Symptoms in an Animal Model of Arthritis

The following was performed to demonstrate that an ongoing inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the joints, can be treated by a systemic anti-inflammatory response induced by P. histicola. Transgenic (Tg) mice expressing human HLA class II genes (HLA-DQ8) associated with RA can be used as an animal model to study immunopathogenesis of RA. HLA transgenic mice expressing HLA-DQ8 (HLA-DQA1*0301/DQB1*0302) were highly susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), an animal model of human RA (Taneja et al. J. Immunol., 181:2869-7 (2008)). As demonstrated herein, feeding P. histicola to DQ8.AEo mice after induction of collagen induced arthritis (CIA) reduced disease incidence and severity. The group of mice receiving medium only exhibited no effect on disease incidence or severity indicating that P. histicola has a disease suppressive effect. In addition, P. histicola treated mice exhibited a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines Treatment with P. histicola also resulted in a decrease in the levels of anti-type II collagen (CII) specific antibodies.

Transgenic (Tg) Mice

DQ8.Abo mice were generated as described previously. These mice were mated with MHC-II^(Δ/Δ))(AE°) mice (Taneja et al., J. Immunol., 181:2869-2877 (2008)) to generate AE°.DQ8 mice. All mice were bred and maintained in the pathogen free environment according to appropriate guidelines. All experiments were approved by the institutional committee.

Flow Cytometry

Expression of HLA-DQ molecules on PBLs, lymph node cells (LNCs), and splenocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) IVD12, specific for HLA-DQ (Lampson et al., J. Immunol., (Baltimore, Md.: 1950) 125:293-299), respectively, as described elsewhere (Bradley et al., J. Clin. Invest., 100:2227-2234 (1997)). Surface expression of CD4 (GK1.5), CD8 (53.6.72), a B cell marker (CD45R (RA3-6B2)), a DC cell marker (CD11c (HL3)), a monocyte/macrophage cell marker (CD11b (Ml/70)), GITR [Glucocorticoid-induced Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family-Related] (DTA-1), and CD103 (M290) were analyzed using fluorescent conjugated mAb from BD Biosciences (San Jose, USA).

Induction and Evaluation of CIA

Pure native chick type II collagen was obtained by multiple-step purification as described elsewhere (Griffiths et al., Arthritis Rheum., 24:781-789 (1981)). Tg mice and negative littermates were immunized with chick CII as described elsewhere for CIA the protocol (Taneja et al., Arthritis Rheum., 56:69-78 (2007)). Mice were monitored for the onset and progression of CIA from 3 to 12 weeks post-immunization. The arthritic severity of mice was evaluated as described elsewhere with a grading system for each paw from 0 to 3 (Wooley, J. Exp. Med., 154:688-700 (1981)). The mean arthritic score was determined using arthritic animals only.

Autoantibodies

Levels of anti-chick and anti-mouse CII IgG Abs were measured in sera obtained 35 days following CII immunization by a standard ELISA and are shown as OD. Briefly, microtiter plates were coated overnight with CII (6 μg/well in KPO₄ (pH 7.6)) at 4° C., washed, and blocked with 1% BSA in PBS/0.05% Tween 20. Sera were added in 4-fold dilution (1/100 to 1/65,000) and incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates were washed, and peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (Organon Teknika) was added for another overnight incubation at 4° C. After washing, O-phenylenediamine was added, and the colorimetric change was measured at 410 nm.

T Cell Proliferation Assay

Mice were immunized with 200 μg of CII emulsified 1:1 in CFA (Difco) intradermally at the base of the tail and in one hind footpad. Ten days post-immunization, draining lymph nodes/spleen were removed and cultured in vitro. Lymph node cells (LNCs, 1×10⁶) were cultured in HEPES-buffered RPMI 1640 containing 5% heat-inactivated horse serum and streptomycin and penicillin in 96-well flat-bottom tissue culture plates. Cells were challenged by adding 100 μL of RPMI 1640 medium (negative control), Con A (20 μg/mL, positive control), and native collagen (50 μg/mL). To determine CD4-mediated response, GK1.5 (anti-CD4) Ab was used for blocking. The cells were incubated for 48 hours at 37° C. During the last 18 hours, the cells were pulsed with [³H]thymidine, and the tritium incorporation was determined by liquid scintillation counting. Results are calculated as Δ cpm (i.e., mean cpm of triplicate cultures containing Ag—mean cpm of medium).

Cytokines

Cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-13, IL-17, TNFα, and IFNγ) were measured using the Bio-Plex protein array system with the mouse cytokine 23-plex panel as per the manufacturer's instructions and analyzed with Bio-Plex manager 2.0 software (Bio-Rad Laboratories).

Results Modulation of Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) by Prevotella Histicola.

Immunization of HLA-DQ8.AEo mice with type II collagen (CII) leads to development of collagen-induced arthritis, a model for rheumatoid arthritis (Taneja et al., J. Immunol., 56:69-78 (2007)). Treatment with P. histicola protected DQ8.AEo mice from developing arthritis (FIG. 5). Three groups of mice were included: (1) mice immunized with CII/CFA and treated with medium, (2) mice immunized with CII and treated with P. histicola, and (3) mice immunized with P. histicola without CII, a control group. Ten days post immunization mice were gavaged three times per week with P. histicola (2×10⁹ CFU in 100 μL of TSB culture media) for up to 7 weeks. Group 1 and group 2 mice were boosted with CII/IFA in 6^(th) week. Mice were monitored for arthritis for up to 10 weeks. Mice immunized with CII and treated with P. histicola exhibited a dramatic decrease in disease incidence as well as milder disease. Mice only given P. histicola did not develop any arthritis. Mice receiving medium only had no effect on CIA.

Effect of P. Histicola on Auto-Antibodies Levels and T Cell Proliferation

P. histicola treated mice exhibited reduced humoral antigen-specific response. Anti-CII antibodies in sera collected before and after treatment with P. histicola exhibited a reduction in antibodies (FIG. 6A). Anti-CII antibodies were tested by ELISA. T cell proliferation to CII in vitro did not exhibit any significant reduction in P. histicola vs. medium treated mice. Only P. histicola gavaged mice did not exhibit any antigen (CII)-specific response (FIG. 6B).

Effect of P. histicola on Cytokine Production

All pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines produced in response to CII were reduced in P. histicola treated mice as compared to medium fed (control) mice (FIG. 7). Cytokines were measured from serum of mice by using multiplex array system.

Effect of P. histicola on Regulatory T Cells and Regulatory Dendritic Cells (DCs) in Splenocytes and Lamina Propria

Mice treated with P. histicola exhibited a higher number of CD4⁺GITR⁺ T regulatory cells and CD11c⁺CD103⁺ dendritic cells in splenocytes as compared to mice receiving medium only (FIG. 8). Treatment with P. histicola also resulted in an increase in regulatory dendritic cells, CD11c⁺CD103⁺ in lamina propria (FIG. 9).

These results demonstrate that P. histicola can have an immunomodulatory effect that reduces the disease incidence and severity of CIA in DQ8 Tg mice. While not being limited to any particular mode of action, P. histicola may modulate CIA in DQ8 Tg mice by modulation of cytokines, regulatory T cells, and regulatory dendritic cells network.

In another experiment, regulatory T cell (e.g., CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells) and tolerogenic dendritic cell (e.g., CD11b⁺CD11c⁺CD103⁺ tolerogenic DCs) responses were assessed in the AEoDRB1*0401/DQ8 mouse model of arthritis using sham treated mice and P. histicola treated mice. Briefly, AEoDRB1*0401/DQ8 mice were sham treated or treated with P. histicola three times on alternative days before being immunized with 100 μg of type II collagen (CII) emulsified in CFA and four times on alternative days after immunization. Splenocytes were used to isolate DCs (adherent cells) and CD4⁺ T cells by staining with conjugated antibodies and FAC sorting. Cells were used at 99% purity.

To assess proliferation, CD4⁺ cells from sham treated mice were cultured in vitro with DCs from sham treated or P. histicola treated mice in the presence or absence of CII. Similarly, CD4⁺ cells isolated from spleens of P. histicola treated mice were cultured with DCs from sham treated or P. histicola treated mice in the absence or presence of CII. A histogram plot was generated from the proliferation results from three mice (FIG. 13A). P. histicola treated CD4⁺ cells generated a good T cell response to CII when it was presented by sham DCs, but not when presented by DCs from P. histicola treated mice (FIG. 13A). CD4⁺ cells from sham treated cultured with DCs from P. histicola treated mice did not show any proliferation, suggesting P. histicola treated DCs are suppressive (FIG. 13A).

The supernatants from the cultures assessed in FIG. 13A were assessed to IL-17 and IL-10 levels. Sham CD4⁺ and DC cultures produced more IL-17 than IL-10, while cultures using in vivo P. histicola treated DCs cultured with CD4⁺ cells from sham and P. histicola treated mice produced much higher amounts of IL-10 than IL-17 (FIG. 13B). These results demonstrate that P. histicola treatment can have an immuno-modulatory effect that suppresses proliferation of IL-17-secreting Th17 cells and increases production of IL-10, an immunoregulatory cytokine. The increase in IL-10 production can be due to an increase in T regulatory cells or suppressive DCs and may one mechanism of protection.

The frequencies of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells in sham treated or P. histicola treated HLA-DRB1*0401/DQ8 mice were assessed. Briefly, mice were treated with P. histicola as described with respect to FIG. 13, and splenocytes and cells from lamina propria were used for analysis of T regulatory cells. A plot was generated from CD4⁺ gated cells, revealing the percent of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ cells in spleen and lamina propria (FIG. 14). P. histicola treated HLA-DRB1*0401/DQ8 mice exhibited an increased frequency of CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells in spleen and lamina propria as compared to the frequencies observed in sham treated mice (FIG. 14). These regulatory T cells may be responsible for the produced IL-10 as shown in FIG. 13B.

These results demonstrate that P. histicola can modulate cytokine production in transgenic mice via regulatory T and suppressive dendritic cells. Suppressive dendritic cells can be responsible for conversion of T cells to regulatory phenotype. The regulatory T cells of treated mice can migrate from lamina propria to periphery, thus modulating overall immune response.

Example 3 Use of P. histicola and P. histicola Culture Supernatants to Reduce Disease Symptoms in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

The following was performed to demonstrate that P. histicola and P. histicola culture supernatants can modulate EAE. HLA-DR3DQ8 Tg mice were immunized with PLP₉₉₋₁₁₀ myelin antigen emulsified in CFA. Pertussis toxin was given at day 0 and 2 post-immunization. Seven days post immunization mice were gavaged on alternate days either with live P. histicola or culture supernatant of P. histicola or medium only for seven doses. P. histicola was grown in TSB media as described herein, and the culture supernatant of P. histicola was collected by centrifuging the P. histicola culture. Mice were monitored daily for development of EAE and scored using standard EAE scoring criteria as described elsewhere (Mangalam et al., J. Immunol., 182(8):5131-9 (2009)).

Treatment of DR3/DQ8 mice with media in which P. histicola were cultured resulted in a protective effect with only 50% of mice developing EAE compared to 100% incidence in control mice (media fed) mice (FIG. 15). P. histicola treated HLA-DR3DQ8 mice were used as positive control and exhibited a strong protective effect (FIG. 15). These results indicate that live P. histicola and culture supernatants of P. histicola can be used to reduce the severity of symptoms of inflammatory conditions and autoimmune conditions. In addition, these results demonstrate that culture supernatants of P. histicola may exhibit their immunomodulatory effect via products secreted by P. histicola, bacterial lysates present in the culture supernatant, or both.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating an autoimmune condition in a mammal, said method comprising administering a composition comprising live Prevotella histicola to said mammal under conditions wherein the severity of said autoimmune condition is reduced. 